A Message From Our President
Kathleen Kiely-Becchetti
It is hard to believe that this Annual Spring Conference marks my one year anniversary as MACRS President. It has been a productive year representing MACRS at the state and national levels, cultivating relationships, new and old, learning from our vast resources, organizing the conferences and planning for the Association’s future. All important tasks, yet, laying the ground work for our future is among the most essential.
As the Executive Board discussed our future plans, it became obvious that we also need to memorialize our history. We cannot move forward without understanding and being aware of our past. In its 79th year, MACRS has experienced great change, attained accomplishments and faced defeats. However, the details of the Association’s history resides mainly in the memories of our most senior members and in documents held here and there for which many are the original and only copy.
It is paramount that MACRS undertakes the preservation of our history and we will do so through the Kevin J. Regan Foundation launched last June for the educational benefit of the MACRS community. The chronicle of our history will be used as an educational tool for our advancement so it is fitting that this will be the Foundation’s mission. Simultaneously, MACRS will continue to advance its primary objective to preserve, strengthen and educate the retirement systems of Massachusetts while protecting and promoting the benefits of our members.
The cornerstone of the MACRS mission and at the forefront of this year’s conference, is, of course, education. While education is offered at each conference, every three years MACRS provides a Trustee Educational Seminar (TEDS), which is an additional two day program designed specifically for Board Members. However, MACRS recognizes that the stewardship of our Retirement Systems do not just rely on Board Members. Our Retirement Systems, and the active and retired members we serve, are dependent upon our Administrators and staff. As such, the TEDS program has been expanded to offer sessions for Board Members and staff. A model we plan to build on for future conferences and one-day seminars.
Both the TEDS program and the Annual Conference features quality speakers to present a diverse array of topics. While continuing educational credits are provided in some sessions, learning is available in all sessions. As is the opportunity, to exchange ideas, enhance our educational resources and foster relationships with others that understand and support the MACRS mission. I strongly encourage each of you to participate during the conference sessions, engage our speakers, interact with the Associate Vendors, welcome our new attendees and provide feedback for future offerings. The Annual Conference is designed for all of us and can only be as good as we make it.
MACRS has a great deal to be proud of but it can certainly strive for more. According to legendary football coach Vince Lombardi, “perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.” I think we can all agree that a higher level of excellence is warranted and, more importantly, deserving of our members.
